The United States and Israel launched a wave of strikes against targets in Iranian cities on Saturday, triggering explosions and columns of smoke in the capital, Tehran.
The Israeli government had announced the pre-emptive attack, with President Donald Trump saying that the US had begun major combat operations.
According to a CNN report, explosions have been reported in multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, with the US military planning for several days of attacks, according to two sources.
The attacks came after President Trump had expressed frustration at Iran’s stance in negotiations over its nuclear and missile programmes.
Trump said Washington’s goal was “eliminating imminent threats” from Iran, and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the action as a “preventive strike”.
In a video post, Trump had encouraged Iranians to seize control of their government when US military operations conclude. He also warned that American lives may be lost as a result of his military operation inside Iran.
He offered the Iranian military “immunity” or “certain death” and told Iranians the “hour of your freedom is at hand”.
More to follow…